It's been a wild ride for Big Lots. After the retailer began closing stores in 2022, their future remained uncertain. But when they filed for bankruptcy this past September, it seemed the end was near—until Nexus Capital swooped in with a deal to bring them back from the brink. However, the deal fell through, and once again, it wasn't looking good. Earlier this month, though, the company got its Hail Mary when it closed a new deal to keep between 200 and 400 of its 901 remaining stores open. It was good news, but that means hundreds more stores will still close—and the list of those on the chopping block has now been made public.

RELATED: Advance Auto Parts Is Closing 700 "Non-Performing" Locations—Is Yours on the List?

Liquidation firm Gordon Brothers Retail Partners just released all the Big Lots leases available for sale, amounting to 496 stores.

Texas has the most store leases for sale (72), followed by New York (49) and Florida (44).

"The new-to-market stores are primarily located in shopping centers across 47 states and range in size from 18,963 to 54,933 square feet," Gordon Brothers write on their website. "All offers for individual or multiple location purchases are due no later than January 24, 2025 and are subject to court approval."

In a press release from Jan. 14, Michael Burden, Gordon Brothers' co-head of North America real estate services, said, "This is a fantastic opportunity for expansion-minded retailers to grow their footprint by acquiring well-located stores with long-term, below-market rents. These spaces offer a seamless path to enhance their presence and serve new communities, making it an ideal time to capitalize on prime retail real estate."

To view all the locations up for sale, you can view this PDF.

As for the stores that will remain open, they'll be acquired by Variety Wholesalers, Inc. The company will continue to operate them under the Big Lots name.

A Big Lots corporate website states: "Variety Wholesalers is working to finalize and implement transition plans, including as they relate to the Company’s vendor relationships."

"In the meantime, the Company is continuing to conduct going out of business sales and is no longer purchasing goods, except for those deemed essential to support the wind down of the business," it notes.

Big Lots is just one of many nationwide retailers to announce store closures for 2025. Kohl's is shuttering 27 "underperforming" locations by April; Macy's is closing 66 stores early this year; and JOANN is closing at least six stores.

Many people reach for vitamin C (also known as ascorbic acid) to boost their immune systems in the winter—and experts say that upping your intake to meet the recommended amounts could very well offer protection against the common cold or flu. However, that’s just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to vitamin C benefits. We checked in with doctors, and their answers may surprise you. These are the top 10 most incredible ways vitamin C can better your health.

RELATED: 21 Surprising Signs You Have a Vitamin Deficiency.

​1. Vitamin C can improve your skin.

Both dietary and topical Vitamin C serums are important for your skin health.

“Vitamin C is crucial for the skin’s defense system, being actively transported there to serve as an antioxidant and bolster the skin’s protective barriers," says Pamela Peeke, MD, a nationally renowned physician working with Solaray.

She adds that vitamin C can speed up the wound-healing process. In fact, one study on the role of vitamin C in dermatological health says that "ascorbic acid is involved in all phases of wound healing.” During the inflammatory phase, it is required for normal cell death and clearance.

Next, vitamin C contributes to the "synthesis, maturation, secretion, and degradation of collagen.” Therefore, having a vitamin C deficiency can cause poor collagen production and increase scar formation, the researchers write.

​2. Vitamin C could prevent osteoarthritis.

There’s another way Vitamin C can impact your health by affecting your body’s production of collagen. Charles K. Sonaliya, MD, a primary care physician with Inspira Health, this is a key component of maintaining healthy cartilage.

“In osteoarthritis (OA), the cartilage becomes damaged, leading to increased pressure on the bones and joints,” he explains. “Antioxidants, such as vitamin C, may help reduce the damage caused by free radicals."

"However, there is currently no evidence that taking vitamin C supplements can effectively treat or prevent OA. While some promising results have been observed in animal studies, further research in humans is needed to confirm these findings,” he points out.

RELATED: 5 Surprising Benefits of Taking Vitamin B-12 Every Day.

​3. Vitamin C could lower your heart disease risk.

Getting adequate levels of vitamin C is also a helpful way to lower your heart disease risk. In particular, some studies suggest that it may protect against a buildup of fatty deposits in the artery walls, a condition known as atherosclerosis, and protect against arterial damage.

“Numerous researchers have conducted clinical studies on the effects of vitamin C on arterial health, particularly in individuals with high cholesterol levels,” says Sonaliya. “High cholesterol can increase the risk of heart attacks, even in otherwise healthy individuals. These studies indicate that people with low levels of vitamin C are at a greater risk for heart attacks, strokes, and peripheral vascular disease."

​4. Vitamin C may cut your risk of hypertension.

Having high blood pressure can worsen your heart health by increasing your risk of heart attack, stroke, and heart failure, but it’s also known to damage the brain, kidneys, and other vital organs. That’s all the more reason to keep your vitamin C levels within the target range.

“Vitamin C is often described as a 'cleaner' for your arteries, as it helps remove accumulated cholesterol that can lead to blockages in blood vessels and contribute to high blood pressure,” Sonaliya says.

He notes that the DASH diet, an eating plan designed to lower blood pressure, “encourages the consumption of a variety of fruits and vegetables that are rich in antioxidants, including vitamin C.”

RELATED: Do You Actually Need a Vitamin D Supplement After Summer? Here’s What Experts Say.

​5. Vitamin C can improve respiratory problems.

One of vitamin C’s biggest claims to fame is that it could help people fend off symptoms of upper respiratory infections or shorten their duration.

“Some researchers have also found that administering vitamins as a preventive measure at the appropriate time can be beneficial,” says Sonaliya.

However, fewer people realize that vitamin C might also be beneficial for chronic respiratory conditions such as asthma and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD).

“Oral vitamin C has been shown to prevent the accumulation of inflammatory cells in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and increase levels of cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP), which is a key messenger in airway smooth muscle cells,” Sonaliya explains. “This suggests that vitamin C can help relax the airways, potentially reducing asthma symptoms” and protecting against COPD.

​6. Vitamin C can prevent oxidative stress.

Vitamin C’s antioxidant effects are another great reason to up your intake.

“Vitamin C is a vital antioxidant that helps protect the body. It primarily aids in preventing diseases such as cancer, heart disease, arthritis, and lung disease,” Sonaliya says.

Peeke explains that increasing vitamin C intake can boost blood antioxidant levels by as much as 30 percent. This can, in turn, offer these benefits by safeguarding cells from damaging molecules known as free radicals, which lead to oxidative stress, a condition associated with many chronic diseases.

“This includes helping maintain the integrity of immune cells, ensuring they function efficiently. It also works synergistically with other antioxidants, such as Vitamin E, by regenerating their active forms, thus boosting the body’s overall antioxidant capacity,” she says.

RELATED: 7 Surprising Benefits of Taking Magnesium Every Day.

​7. Vitamin C can enhance iron absorption.

Working more vitamin C into your diet could help you increase your levels of another important nutrient: Iron.

Though iron plays several crucial roles in the body, Peeke notes that it is especially vital for the production of red blood cells and the transport of oxygen throughout the body.

She further explains that vitamin C helps to convert non-heme iron, which is less bioavailable, into a more soluble form that is easier for the body to absorb.

“It also counteracts inhibitors, like grains and legumes or tea and coffee, to iron absorption. This ensures that more iron is absorbed from your diet… In fact, just taking 100 mg of vitamin C can enhance iron absorption by up to 67 percent. As a result, vitamin C may help lower the risk of anemia in individuals who are prone to iron deficiency,” Peeke says.

​8. Vitamin C may boost the effects of cancer treatments.

Consuming more vitamin C will not prevent or cure cancer on its own, but emerging research suggests that taking high doses of vitamin C could help enhance other forms of treatment, such as chemotherapy or radiation, and improve cancer patients’ quality of life.

RELATED: Research Reveals the No. 1 Supplement to Take If You Get Leg Cramps.

9. Vitamin C can enhance your immune system.

You probably already know that vitamin C can help fend off illness, but do you know why?

“Vitamin C helps strengthen the immune system by supporting the production of white blood cells known as lymphocytes and phagocytes, types of white blood cells that play a key role in defending the body against infections,” explains Peeke. “Vitamin C supports the proper functioning of these cells while also shielding them from damage caused by harmful molecules like free radicals.”

​10. Vitamin C offers enhanced nutrition.

Another crucial benefit of getting enough vitamin C is simply that it contributes to your overall nutritional needs. While you can get vitamin C from your diet, you might not be getting enough of it that way.

According to Mayo Clinic, the recommended daily amount (RDA) for vitamin C is 75 mg per day for non-pregnant women, 120 mg per day for pregnant women, and 90 mg per day for men. The upper limit for all adults is 2,000 mg a day.

Though supplementation can offer a targeted way to increase your levels if you’re struggling to get enough through your diet, it’s always a good idea to check with your doctor before you begin taking any vitamins or other supplements.

Medical experts say you should be able to get all of the ascorbic acid your body needs through fresh fruits and vegetables, including citrus fruits, tomatoes, potatoes, cauliflower, broccoli, berries, and leafy green vegetables.

We all want to "age gracefully," minimizing wrinkles and making sure our skin stays healthy and glowing. But keeping this youthful appearance can be a challenge—and while your skincare routine is intended to prevent the effects of aging, you could also be making mistakes that inadvertently make you look older.

"Taking care of your skin is essential because as we age, our skin gets thinner, saggier, and wrinkled largely due to the reduced production of collagen, a key protein in our skin that is essential for maintaining skin elasticity and firmness," Paul Charette, master aesthetician and founder of Charette Cosmetics, tells Best Life. "Our skin is constantly being exposed to the elements of life such as environmental pollutants, dirt, excess oil, bacteria, and other factors your facial skin encounters daily. That is a lot for your skin to handle every day, which is why as we get older, the damage becomes more noticeable—especially if nothing is being done to counteract the damage."

Many of us take steps to prevent or slow these changes ahead of time rather than searching for a treatment after we notice them in the mirror. However, if you've been taking certain approaches in your skincare routine and haven't noticed improvements, you might want to take a step back. Read on for the 14 skincare mistakes that are aging your skin, and learn how to fix these common blunders.

RELATED: 8 Foods That Help Smooth Wrinkles, Doctors Say.

​1. Overlooking these 3 anti-aging ingredients

Valerie Aparovich, a biochemist and certified cosmetologist-esthetician at OnSkin, tells Best Life that as one ages, they should look for products that contain ingredients to combat aging skin.

"It would be a mistake not to incorporate cosmetic products with age-appropriate active ingredients that help fade wrinkles, stimulate collagen synthesis, and keep the skin rejuvenated and toned," she explains. "The top three anti-age stars are vitamin C, retinol, and peptides."

Each ingredient serves a different purpose for your skin, Aparovich adds. For example, vitamin C "stimulates collagen protein synthesis, promoting the skin’s firmness and elasticity and making decreased skin turgor less visible, possesses brightening properties, helps fade pigmentation, and strengthens capillary walls."

Retinol promotes skin renewal by speeding up cell turnover and supporting collagen and elastin fiber synthesis, which thickens skin texture to smooth out fine lines and wrinkles. Peptides increase skin firmness and elasticity by impacting collagen synthesis.

RELATED: Dermatologist Says These Are the 6 Best Vitamin C Serums You Can Buy at Walmart and Target.

​2. Using a washcloth on your face

If there's one thing dermatologists wish you would stop doing, it's drying your freshly washed face with a bath towel.

"Although a bath facial cloth might look clean, it can collect dirt, dust, makeup, oil, and dead skin cells," says Anna Chacon, MD, a board-certified dermatologist. "This leads to an increased chance for them to act as breeding grounds for bacteria which will clog pores." That, in turn, can lead to breakouts and blemishes.

Cheryl Rosen, MD, board-certified dermatologist and director of dermatology at BowTiedLife, brings up another con of this technique: "Bath towels are much rougher than facial towels, so they can actually cause irritation and skin damage."

To avoid using a bath towel or hand towel, Chacon recommends using a fresh, soft kitchen paper towel instead. "I keep a roll on my vanity table for easy access," she says. Similarly, Rosen suggests a soft, clean facial towel.

​3. Scrubbing your face aggressively

If your bath towels, hand towels, or facial towels are freshly washed, you can use them with a gentle patting technique instead of a rubbing one.

"Never dry your face aggressively," says Emmanuel Loucas, MD, board-certified dermatologist and director of SINY Dermatology in New York. "Gently wipe your face with a soft towel or, better yet, pat dry your face."

You'll want to do this for the same reason you dab eye cream onto the delicate area around your eye: to prevent damage and irritation.

4. Not exfoliating

Skipping exfoliation is another skincare mistake that could make you look older. While it's a common error, according to Charette, you'll want to fix it as soon as possible.

"It is an important step in skincare routines because it's an opportunity to eliminate older, dull skin cells that can make you look older and cause your skin to not function at its best!" he says.

"The outermost layer of our skin, called the stratum corneum, is composed of dead skin cells that can make the skin appear dull, rough, and can clog pores. Exfoliation helps to slough off these dead skin cells, revealing fresher, smoother skin underneath," he explains.

Not sure how often you should exfoliate to avoid overdoing it? Jessica Iturzaeta, licensed esthetician, podcaster behind Learning to Glow, and founder of SJ Skincare, recommends exfoliating one to three times each week, depending on the product you're using. If you get regular facials, that can make a "big impact" as well, she adds.

RELATED: 10 Daily Habits That Keep Your Skin Young and Glowing.

​5. Not using sunscreen

During the summer months, most of us reach for sunscreen to protect against the sun. But SPF is a necessity all year long, even in the winter when you might not think to reach for it.

"A common skincare mistake is skipping out on using an SPF daily just because it might not be sunny out," Charette says. "Ultraviolet (UV) rays can still transmit through clouds and even window glass, making your skin susceptible to premature aging and wrinkles, which is why protecting the delicate skin on your face...is a crucial part of every skincare routine so you don't look older."

"Try opting for a more lightweight moisturizer with a broad-spectrum SPF 50 sunscreen that can be used together for optimal skincare benefits," he suggests.

According to Rachel Lee Lozina, licensed esthetician, laser technician, and founder of Blue Water Spa, you should also look for certain ingredients.

"Usually, I will recommend a micronized zinc or titanium oxide cream with added antioxidants to help with oxidative damage/aging," she says. "I love it even more if it comes in a tinted version to minimize the white cast zinc formulations usually have. Ingredients such as hyaluronic acid and squalene will help lock in moisture and hydrate skin."

​6. Only applying skincare products to the face

It's not just your face that needs attention—you should be applying SPF and skincare products to your neck and chest, too.

"Paying attention to your face is great, but it is very important not to forget about the neck and chest...as they are getting the same sun exposure as the face does," says Soyoki Abo, aesthetician, certified beautician, and founder of Abosoyoki.

"Please also make sure to apply sunscreen and hydrating products on the decolletage area to prevent wrinkles and dark spots," she adds. "Even if your face looks youthful, if you have wrinkles and dark spots on your decolletage, it can make you look older."

​7. Ignoring the area around the eyes

Even if you moisturize and use the appropriate serums, you might be slipping up if you don't pay attention to the sensitive area around your eyes.

"The skin around the eyes is naturally thinner, more delicate, and more sensitive than on the rest of the face and loses its firmness and elasticity faster. Hence, the signs of aging are always most visible here," Aparovich notes. "Also, the skin in this area is more dryness-prone and requires regular moisturizing to prevent mimic and age-related wrinkles from forming."

Instead of using your general face cream around the eyes, Aparovvich suggests a "well-formulated eye cream" to reduce the prominence of wrinkles and bags.

"Eye creams are usually formulated with a more lightweight texture than facial products, so they are better absorbed by delicate skin. Most eye creams are targeted [and] formulated with the delicacy of this specific skin area in mind," she says. "Usually, they contain higher concentrations of hydrating components and ingredients addressing particular concerns of this skin zone, like caffeine for dark circles or mint derivatives for cooling and puffiness."

RELATED: 6 Tips to Make Your Eye Cream Actually Work After 50, According to Skincare Pros.

​8. Washing your face too much

"In general, you should wash your face twice a day," says Loucas. "Sometimes, [people] feel they have to scrub their face and wash it too often during the day."

Unfortunately, doing so strips your skin of its natural oils and moisture, which can cause dryness, redness, and irritation.

For those with sensitive skin, Loucas notes that even one wash per day will suffice: "Most of the pollutants and oil cosmetic build-up occurs during the day." If you wash your face in the evening, you can rinse it with lukewarm water in the morning and then proceed with your skincare routine, he says.

​9. Using the wrong cleanser

Next, you'll want to choose an effective cleanser for your skin type.

"Rosacea-, eczema-, and allergy-prone skin require a mild cleanser with soothing ingredients," says Anna Guanche, MD, a board-certified dermatologist. According to Prevention, those ingredients include ceramides, glycerin, hyaluronic acid, and niacinamide.

"Combination skin [requires] a foaming cleanser, and acne-prone skin [requires] a glycolic, salicylic or benzoyl peroxide-based cleanser," she adds.

Foaming cleansers are good for combination skin because they both remove oil and provide gentle exfoliation. Glycolic, salicylic, and benzoyl peroxide-based cleansers are especially good for acne as they lift oil, exfoliate, and unclog pores.

RELATED: Understanding Rosacea: 10 Natural Ways to Soothe and Calm Red, Irritated Skin.

10. Washing your face at the wrong time

Washing your face should be the last thing you do in the shower or before getting ready for bed.

"When you brush your teeth, you're leaving behind saliva, toothpaste, [and] bacteria on the skin," explains board-certified dermatologist Lindsey Zubritsky, MD, FAAD, in a TikTok video.

When these remain on the skin, it can lead to acne breakouts as well as perioral dermatitis (a red rash that forms around the mouth).

Likewise, if you wash your face first in the shower, "some of the residues from the shampoo or conditioner may remain on the skin leading to irritated skin and/or clogged pores," notes Chacon.

​11. Not moisturizing properly

After cleansing, it's vital to follow up with a hydrating moisturizer for youthful-looking skin—and this is another step you shouldn't be inconsistent with.

"Replenishing skin with hyaluronic acid plus the proper ceramides is the best way to increase hydration layer by layer," Lozina says. "By not keeping skin hydrated, skin tends to be prone to sagging and wrinkles, which will make you look older."

Aparovich notes that a good moisturizer will strengthen the protective barrier on your skin, preventing the absorption of external stressors like dirt and bacteria and protecting from weather-related disruptions like wind and frost.

Well-moisturized skin looks "thicker, denser, plumper, and brighter," she adds, thereby minimizing any creases and wrinkles.

In need of a new moisturizer? Aparovich recommends looking for ingredients like hyaluronic acid, collagen, phospholipids, and aloe vera extract.

RELATED: 5 Ways Wine Can Improve Aging Skin, Dermatologists Say.

​12. ​Using scented or alcohol-based products

Scented moisturizers and cleansers can be lovely in the moment, but they could do more harm than good in the long run.

"Research has shown fragrances in skincare products are among the most common culprits of irritation. This can be true for all skin types, not just sensitive skin," says Frieling. "Although the damage from fragrance might not be visible or physically irritating in the moment of application, it can manifest over time."

Similarly, Frieling notes that alcohol-based skincare products are "intensely drying"—and dryness can accelerate aging.

​13. Applying foundation to dry skin

Makeup is supposed to enhance our features and make us feel like we're putting our best face forward. But if you skip moisturizing and apply your base layer to dry skin, it's probably not having that positive effect.

"When the skin is naturally dry, it won’t get much nourishment from the percentage of moisturizing components in complexion product formulations," Aparovich says. "Besides, some foundations can dry out the skin to maintain a matte appearance. Not only will dry skin lose moisture and, therefore, its plumpness and smoothness, but fine lines and wrinkles will get more defined, adding years to your look."

​14. Being rough with your eye makeup

You'll also want to use a gentle hand when applying your makeup, especially eye makeup.

"The area of the face most likely to exhibit signs of aging from pulling or tugging are the eyes because this is where the skin is thinnest," Frieling says. "When you apply eyeliner or try to remove makeup, be gentle so you don't cause damage to the collagen and elastin fibers around the eye, which will speed up aging."